New Nexus Tablet to Sport 8.9-Inch Display, Report Says

Last week a questionable report out of China raised the possibility that Google’s next stock Android device could an 8.9-inch Nexus tablet. Now this rumor is getting a bit of support from research firm IHS Technology, which tells CNET that Google may really have a “high-performance” 8.9-inch slate in the works.

Manufacturing for the device will reportedly begin in July or August, IHS notes, suggesting we could see a launch in late summer or early fall. The 8.9-inch Nexus tablet will reportedly cost at least $299, which makes sense considering the second-generation Nexus 7 retailed for $229 at launch. The report also claims Google could tap HTC to manufacture the device, echoing earlier rumors.

Google’s decision to go with an 8.9-inch tablet instead of releasing an upgraded Nexus 10 make sense. Apple and Samsung have essentially locked down the 10-inch market, while Google has previously found success by trying out new sizes. The original Nexus 7 helped spur interest in smaller tablets, so maybe a Nexus 9 can do the same for the mid-sized slate.